a
Report of the
Polk County Agricultural
Economic Outlook
Conference
Dallas, Oregon
February 21-22
1928
Containing a suggested Agricultural
program for Polk County prepared
by representative farmers and the
Extension Service of the Oregon Agricultural College co-operating.
...
t
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Foreword
4
Report of General Agricultural Economics Committee
Report of Dairying Committee
9
Report of Farm Crops Committee
Report of Horticultural Committee
Report of Poultry Committee
Report of Livestock Committee
5
11
15
19
21
Foreword
This report is published as a result of a resolution
unanimously passed by the general assembly of the Polk
County Agricultural Economic Outlook Conference on the
concluding day, February 22nd. Funds for the publication
of the report were provided by the Polk County Court
upon the request of the committee for this purpose, consisting of H. J. Elliott, S. L. Stewart and P. 0. Powell.
The Conference was planned and conducted by the General Committee, representing the Polk County Pomona
Grange, the Polk County Farmers' Union and the Chambers of Commerce cooperating with the Oregon Agricultural Extension Service and the County Agent.
The purposes of the Conference were: (1), To gather
accurate and detailed information on the local and national phases of agriculture; (2), To present this information in a concise and definite form, and (3), To draw
conclusions and make recommendations from the assembled facts. The recommendations of the Conference
constitute a compilation of the best opinions of the
committees, supported by local experience and statistical
data, t.ogether with results of extensive surveys of State
and National Economic conditions affecting production
aiid. marketing conditions in Polk County.
The various committees put painstaking efforts in
the preparation of this conference, notwithstanding this
fact, the recommendations herein set forth should not be
considered as final and it will become necessary to change
them from time to time. It is not assumed that farmers
will entirely change their systems of farming to meet
conditions, on the contrary, there should be greater stability, more gradual adjustment and less violent fluctuation.
SIGNED:
Glenn De Haven, Polk County Farmers' Union
G. G. Hewitt, Polk County Pomona Grange
N. L. Guy, Dallas Chamber of Commerce
A. E. Horton, Independence Chamber of Commerce
J. R. Beck, County Agent.
Report of General Agricultural Economics
Committee
Your committee has examined
the State and Federal
Agricul-
tural Outlook reports for 1928, the
report of the Polk County Economics Conference, and other pertinent data, including information gathered by several sub-committees of this committee, and
reports as follows regarding the
general situation and outlook, the
demand outlook, the trend of cost
of import goods and services and
marketing costs and other points
of interest to all Polk County producers.
The General Agricultural Situation
Although the general index of
farm prices for tne United States
as a whole advanced ten points in
1927 and the purchasing power of
all farm products in terms of nonagricultural products now stands
at about 21 per cent of the prewar average, this was not the resuit of any better demand situation, but rather because of reduced production of cotton, cattle,
fruits and vegetables. Forces are
not yet in evidence that would indicate any material improvement
in the general situation during
the next few years over the past
three years, except as forward
looking farmers may adopt more
efficient methods and make further adjustments in the production to market demands.
The trend in Oregon appears
to be in the direction of an in crease both in total number of
farms and gross cash income, al-
though the gross income from
agricultural production for the
entire country appears to have
become stabilized during the past
three years at 12 to 13 billion
dollars. The net movement from
the farms, for the country as a
whole, reached 649,000 people in
1926. This movement has at most
been small in Oregon.
In Polk county there has been
little tendency for the number of
farmers to increase. The number of farms in 1925 was reported by the census as 1850 compared with 1761 in 1929, or only 89
more. This increase was mostly
in small farms close to town.
Large holdings are not generally
being divided but the trend, if
anything, is toward larger hold-
ings in farming
There has been very
sections.
land
few
transfers by sale, although more
inquiry is reported. A general
policy of careful selection of farm
enterprises and lowering costs of
production wherever possible ap-pears to offer more chance for
profit to Polk county farmers
than expansion of gross production in 1928.
The Demand Situation
The general foreign demand situation for farm products from the
United States does not appear to
be quite so favorable as a year
ago.
Information developed in
the national agricultural outlook
report indicates that this is also
true with respect to the commodities exported from Oregon, a
large part of which is ordinarily
sold in one of the four countries
United Kingdom, Germany, Japan or China.
Agricultural commodities which
into foreign commerce from
the port of Portland, of which
Polk county is a producer, are
principally canned fruits and vegetables, canned milk, hops, prunes,
wheat and barley. Canned fruit
and vegetables go principally to
the United Kingdom, although
France, Germany and Japan took
go
6
AGRICULTURE
small amounts last year. Canned
milk goes mostly to Japan and
China, although Peru took some
last year. Hops are marketed largely in Belgium and United Kingdom; prunes to Germany and
United Kingdom, although some
go to Holland, Belgium, France,
Norway, Denmark, Italy and Sweden. United Kingdom and Japan
are leading markets for wheat although Germany, Italy, France,
Holland, Belgium, Norway and
China take some wheat from
Portland. United Kingdom takes
most of the barley going into
chants would prefer to buy local
farm products if they are of good
quality,
packed,
properly graded and
Polk county producers
are likely to continue for some
time to depend principally upon
out of county markets for most
of their products. The importance of standardizing products
offered for sale cannot be ignored, however, whether for local or
distant market, if these markets
are to be held and the demand increased.
Agricultural Credit
The general agricultural credit
situation is improved, if anything,
over a year ago, and no material
change is anticipated in Oregon
in Polk county in 1928. The
to be any better than last year. or
is toward liquidation of
Any increase in total production tendency
short term obligations, without
would more than offset any prob- much
net change in the farm
able improvement in domestic de- mortgage
situation.
mand. Commodities produced in
The facilities of the intermediate
Polk county which go into inter- credit
of Spokane are gradstate commerce by rail or water ually bank
becoming recognized and
are apples, canned fruits and
vegetables, dairy products, dried used, the volume of business done
by that institution in 1927 totalexport from Oregon.
The domestic demand for agricultural products in the United
States as a whole is not expected
prunes, hops, onions, seeds, poultry products and wool and mohair.
On the other hand, for crops
which there is a demand in Oregon or on the Pacific coast, the
demand for the 1928-29 crop will
probably be as strong and possibly
stronger than the demand for
the 1927-28 crop. The lumber industry seems to be in a more f avorable position, with more men
employed than a year ago, and
prospects for some increase in
production to supply future orders
more out of productions, as stocks
of lumber are now reported low.
The population is also increasing
more rapidly on the Pacific
coast than in the country as a
whole.
rt does not
appear, however,
that the local markets in Polk
county may be expected to absorb
much more local produce than a
year ago, as the population of
the county is increasing quite
slowly and industrial activities are
not likely to increase materially
in 1928. Although a local demand indicates that local mer-
ing $5,554,773.85 compared to $3,418,908.12 in 1926.
The rate for
direct loans to co-operative marketing associations remains unchanged at 4½ per cent.
Farm Labor
En general, the supply of farm
labor is expected to exceed the
demand in 1928. This situation is
expected also to prevail in Oregon. In Polk county a shortage
of labor will probably occur at
harvest time unless men are induced to come in as has been
done in former years.
From present indications, wholesale price of machinery will not
differ greatly from the prices of
1927, but the demand for heavy
lines of power machinery and
harvesting machinery, particularly combines, appears to be strong.
In the Willamette valley from 75
to 100 combines have been sold
during the last two years, and
some of these were used for harvesting clover seed and vetch
seed. Farm machinery expense
AGRICULTURE
appears to be justified for equipment that will lower cost of pro-
duction.
Fertilizers
There may be some seasonal
increase in fertilizer prices, but
fertilizers are not expected to be
much changed in 1928 as compared to last year. From the long
time standpoint increasing compe tition in nitrates, as the result
of improved manufacturing, may
cause a gradual decline. Polk
and ocean transportation is downward, if anything. Competition between trucks and railroads on
short to medium hauls is becoming keener in Polk county, as elsewhere. There is a trend toward
an increase in trucking livestock,
cream and other products to market.
Farm and Enterprise Accounting
The committee finds that some
progress has been made in extension work in this division during 1927. One community has
county does not use much commercial fertilizer and the soil fer- started a class in farm accounttility can generally be maintain- ing and another arranged for a
ed or iiicreased more economic- lecture in farm budgeting. The
ally for the crops grown by means recommendations of the farm
of rotations, including legumes. management committee in the
Purchase of lime for legume pro - Polk County Economic conference
duction is justified more gener- report of 1924 are hereby endorsally and some reduction in cost of ed for continued attention by
lime is anticipated during 1928 Polk county farmers. The prothrough development of local lime ject records kept by boys and
deposits. Soil erosion and con- girls in club work provides basic
sequent depletion of fertility training which will increase farm
should be guarded against, es- and enterprise record keeping by
pecially in some orchard soils by future farm families and we esplowing across slopes, by extens- pecially commend farm account
ive water-furrowing to divide the clubs wherever feasible as desirstreams of water and by the use able in promoting this work.
of cover crops and the spreading
Farm Relief
of straw. These things, together
with the use of all crop residues
The value of our deliberations
and manure, are more important to the individual farmer will dethan the use of commercial fer- pend upon their application to
tilizer.
and adjustment to his own farm.
While national farm relief is an
Farm Building Materials
end to be desired, it is still true
The present relationship be- that the quickest farm relief t
tween wholesale and retail prices the individual farmer will ge
of building materials in the Unit- erally come through his adjus
ed States would appear to give ments on his own farm, and
reason to expect some decline in remains the type of relief o
the general level of retail prices, which he has the most ready
but on the other hand, lumber, most complete control.
which is a large item in farm
Each farm should be organized
construction, appears to be in a on a definite basis with definite
stronger position and there is no enterprises chosen with regard to
particular trend in evidence loc- the size and type of farm; that
ally on other materials.
adaptabilities of the individual;
While the decline in land valthe demand and market outlet
ues in Oregon appears to have for the salable product, and the
been checked, and there Is a bet- possibilities of economical proter demand for farms and farm duction of the products.
leases than at any time since
The activities of any individ1920.
ual farm should generally be
The general trend of rail, truck changed rather slowly both in
8
AGRICULTURE
regards to type and volume of omic Conference held in Novem-
products, and should be made on ber, 1924, reveals many benefits
the basis of probable financial from the deliberations and findreturns as shown by adequate ings of this conference, and
farm accounts. If expenditure3
WHEREAS, The Outlook Conferare then made with the aid of a ence just closing has revealed to
simple budgeting system, the in- us the need of revision from year
dividual will be able to keep his to year of our conclusions as
expenses within the safety limit world conditions and markets may
and thus lay the basis for the change, and
future success of his farming enWHEREAS, The benefit of such
terprise
conferences is cumulative and the
General Recommendations
the benefit to be obtained will
Realizing that much remains to depend upon similar meetings bebe done before Polk county I arm- ing held from time to time,
ers can be fully advised regardTHEREFORE, We, your coming the best procedure to adjust mittee
on General Agricultural Ecproduction to probable demand, onomics.
would recommend that
develop the most efficient market- the holding
such a conference
ing facilities and standardize pro- each year oroftwo
as conditions
duction along most profitabl
seem to require, be considlines, it is further recommended: may
cne of the projects to be unThat the co-operative statistical ered
dertaken by our County Agent;
and crop reporting work for securing basic data be continued
and improved, particularly in
other states and nations.
That more attention be given
to demand studies for Polk county products.
Obtain more data on the trend
of marketing costs for Polk coun-
ty farm products.
Investigate the use of the facilities of the Federal interm'dlate credit banks in Polk county
also,
We recommend that our farm
organizations interest themselves
in the work of gathering and diss'minating statistical information
along the lines of the information
that has proven so valuable during this present conference, and
We further recommend that efforts be made through our farm
organization to obtain an appropriation from the County Court
for marketing credit.
to provide for the publication of
WHEREAS, A survey of the re- the findings of this Outlook Consuits of the Polk County Econference.
The General Agricultural Economics Committee
G. DeHaven, Chairman
J. H. Harland
Roy E. Barker
S. L. Stewart
W. M. Elliott
L. H. McBee
0. A. Peterson
L. R. Breithaupt
Report of Dairying
Committee
The Situation
the
county has decreased in the past
two years some 1200 head and
now stands at about 6,900. The
manufacture of butter in tue
The
cow
population of
tion
is
of
major
importance.
There are some 700 to 800 farms
in Polk county with from three
to ten cows each. Practical dairying has shown It economical to
have at least 10 cows per unit.
Because of cost of production
and feeding value greater use
could be made of oats-vetch ensilage on farms having silos. In-
county has decreased some 50,000 lbs. in the past two years,
some of which is due to the increased demand for fluid milk.
There are some 140 head of creased production per cow is
rgistered dairy sires in the coun- important and rigid culling by
ty and about 30 to 40 grades. the Babcock test is of first imThe average production per cow portance followed by the use of
is about 191 pounds of butterfat better sires.
with milk testing an average of
Improved Herd Sires
4.4 per cent. Prices of butterfat
The
of the best possible
have averaged for the past year sire is use
prime importance and
45.6 cents in cream and 54.6 cents in this of
a long Step
in whole milk to the condensary, would beconnection
if all breeders of
a decline of 3 cents in the past registered taken
stock would only offer
three years.
for use such sires as they believe
The Outlook
will produce offspring that will
their dam in production.
The outlook for dairying in excel
use of a proven sire is oria
Polk county during the coming The
year or two is apt to remain of the surest methods.
about the same unless price deCost of Raising Cow
pression abroad brings in more
To
the dairyman raising dairy
foreign product. There is a ten- heifers we suggest the following
dency for a wide spread between
table as representative of
high and low score butter in ad- cost
costs
in bringing a heifjacent markets to which our sur- er up incurred
to
two
years
of age:
plus is shipped and unless our
FIRST
YEAR
dairymen bend every effort to
keep ahead of adjoining states Whole Milk, 540 lbs. at 2c $10.80
2.00
in quality they may lose this Calf Meal, 50 lbs.
2.00
market. The high pricësf beef Hay
2.00
and the demand from other dis- Oats, 100 lbs.
tricts for dairy stock of our coun- Pasture, 6 mo.
6.00
ty places the dairyman in a poSECOND YEAR
sition to cull his herd without Hay, 1 T
$15.00
loss and also sell his surplus at Oats, 200 lbs.
4.00
prices better than the average of Pasture, 6 mo.
9.00
recent years.
Recommendations
1.
Economical Production
Being a surplus producing county and state, economy of produc-
TOTAL
Labor and miscellaneous
REAL TOTAL
$50.00
$20.00
$70.80
DAIRYING
10
With these figures in mind and
the prevailing demand from outside districts it would seem that
the time is more favorable for
the production of female stuff
than for some time past.
Butter Substitutes
Campaign showing superior valof butter over
substitutes should be continued
and all substitutes should be sold
as such.
4-A. Assessment Registered Stock
In view of the decrease in
spread of values between grade
and purebreds the ratio of assessment should be decreased to
where pure breds are only assessed the same as grades while it
now is 100 per cent more.
ue and quality
Cost of Production
The following table reasonably
represents the cost of handling a
dairy cow for a year and clearly
shows the need for increased
production per cow and economy
of production. Using 191 pounds
as the average production per
cow it makes an average of 72c
per pound.
Mill feed, 1 T
Hay, 2 T
Silage, 2 T
Pasture, 5 mos.
Labor, at 30c
TOTAL
$40.00
20.00
14.00
10.00
54.00
$138.00
Disease SituationFuther improvement of the
tubercular situation is largely dependent upon cleaning up of tuberculosis in the farm poultry
flocks according to investigation
by our county veterinarian.
Infectious abortion has assumed
alarming importance and any
plan that will give control to this
disease without driving the dairy-
man out of business should be
supported. The time is not ripe
for compulsory testing as in tuberculosis.
Calf club work among the boys
and girls is of fundamental importance in the dairy industry
and those clubs of the county
should be heartily supported by all
interested in the dairy industry
and new ones formed wherever
possible.
8.
Conclusion
Dairying is of fundamental im-
portance in the agriculture of
Polk county and anything and
everything should be done that
will increase or maintain its. pres-
ent status both in production of
milk and breeding or producing
stock.
Committee
G. G. Hewitt, Chairman
J. R. Beck, Secretary
Claud Hoisington
D. Rowland
J. Campbell
J. De Jong
W. Anderson
Geo. Dickenson
John Loy
P. Yungen
Sam McKee
W. 0. Morrow
W. B. Allen
Geo. Stewart
Report of Farm Crops
Committee
In view of the tendency to increase the potato acreage in the
United States we recommend no
increase in the present commercial potato acreage in Polk county. The acreage for commercial
potatoes should be largely conmed to those required for local
onsumption. An increase in the
creage of certified seed to take
care of local needs is recommended. Low top Burbanks are the
most promising variety for certification and for main crop uses.
Bliss Triumph, Irish Cobbler and
Earliest of All are recommended
as early potatoes for seed and
commercial uses. We recommend
the more general use of corrosive
sublimate treatment for seed and
that where seed storage conditions
are not good that the seed potatoes be spread out and allowed to
green as on a barn floor or mow
floor.
Quantities of Yakima potatoes
are being sold in Polk county, and
many of these are low grade and
being sold contrary to the labeling law. We recommend thai
local growers pay more attention
to growing pqtatoes of good qual
ity
and grading them to meet
market conditions and that dealers in Polk county specialize on
the sale of Polk county grown
potatoes. We recommend that the
farm organizations of the county
put on a campaign to
educate
consumers and dealers to the
merits of well graded locally
grown potatoes. Low grade potatoes should be kept off the market and fed to stock. They are
being used very satisfactorily as
hog and cow feed.
In growing certified seed the
work should be carried out by
folks using certified seed to start
with.
It should be planted only
on new ground or ground free
from potatoes for at least three
Since thorough roguing or
pulling out of the diseased plants
is necessary certification is only
suited to a small number of growers. Certified seed usually sells
at from 50 per cent to 100 per
cent premium over common and
standard seed and is usually marketed at 25 to 50 per cent premyears.
ium.
Small Grains
Winter grain is generally recsuperior in production to spring grain. Grain costs
are rather high in comparison
with returns, making it necessary to reduce cos4s and secure
high yields per acre to make production profitable. It is recommended (1) That the grain be
grown in rotation with a legume
as that tends to produce larger
yields.
(2)
That the seed be
treated for smut to avoid loss
and dockage. (3) That standard
varieties be used in all cases, and
(4) That particular attention be
paid to the matter of harvest
costs.
During the past two years the
small combine has been given serious consideration in the valley,
and cost figures by the Farm
Management of the college show
that in 1927 grain was harvested
at a lower cost per acre and per
ognized as
bushel by the small combine than
by the binder-thresher method.
This is in spite of the fact that
in the small number of farms
studied the yield per acre on the
combine harvested
farms was approximately 31/i bushels lower
than that on the farms where the
binder-thresher method was used.
Experiences by combine owners
indicate that the combines are
12
FARM CROPS
well suited to the harvesting of
grain and that where the combines are being used the barley
acreage is increasing. Combines
have been used in the harvesting
of clover, seed flax and even kale
and rape for seed, although ex-
The
barley
Barley
acreage
in
Polk
county is increasing, and barley
and oats are recommended for
spring planting as superior to
spring wheat under average marconditions. 0. A. C. No. 7
periences along this line are lim- ket
barley and Hanchen
ited and complete practicability Winter
Spring barley are recommended
is not thoroughly worked out.
standard varieties. Barley usCombines as a means for harvest as
out-yields all other spring
are recommend, but very careful ually
in pounds of feed producstudy with the trends indicating grains
per acre. It is therefore the
that harvesting is cheaper by that ed
grain for farm feed producmethod than by the older method. best
and the market for it is usIf combines become generally tion
ually good. Oregon ships in both
used non-shattering varieties al- barley
and corn in large quantilowing a longer harvest season ties. More
grown barley
will be necessary. This will elim- may take thehome
of this supinate Kinney, Huston and Min- ply shipped in. place
county Hannnesota Wonder wheats. Special chen barley isPolk
shipped to the
problems associated with combine eastern market each
year.
harvesting include (1) the collection and disposition of weed
Oats
seed, which must not be allowed
to go back on the land; (2) the
There is a substantial demand
scattering of straw, that it may for more oats for milling and
be plowed under; (3) handling of for feed purposes. In spite of a
straw that it will not kill out decreasing horse population the
clover under straw rows or make demand for milling oats and for
too strawy hay.
oats for dairy and poultry feed
purposes is greater than the supWinter Wheat
ply. While oats are possibly the
For fall sowing Jenkin, Rink, poorest paying cereal, they are
Helland and Winter Wheat are better suited to some lands of
recommended. with the Jenkin low production than either wheat
preferred on the more mellow and or barley. Gray winter oats are
well-drained lands. Rink is also the best winter variety.
a good variety on mellow soils.
The acreage for commercial and
Ho1land and White Winter are seed purposes may be profitably
orobebly better suited to the enlarged. Polk county annually
ieavier soils.
ships out seed of the Shadeland
Climax variety. The acreage of
Spring Wheat
may also be enlarged subAmong the spring wheats Hus- this
Victon, Marquis and Zimmerman stantially for seed purposes.
and Three Grain are the
have given best returns at the tory
yielding spring oat variexperiment station and under av- highest
at the experiment statioe.,
erage conditions out-yield other eties
it is recommended that they
varieties. It is recommended that and
the county agent establish some be introduced into the county.
demonstration plantings of ZimCorn
merman in the county to comCorn
is
successfully
grown for
pare with the Rink and other varieties. While spring wheat is not silage and grain. The Northwest
usually a paying crop in Polk annually ships in from 2,000 to
county conditions indicate that 2.500 carloads from eastern points.
the market for it will justify 1928 Polk county grows sufficiently
niantings on lands making good good corn that it might take care
of much of its local demand for
yields.
FARM CROPS
corn as grain.
13
With the large fron
numbers of prune and hop driers
it is thought that corn for grain
and seed may be grown and artificially dried in certain cases. If
the corn is allowed to cure on
the stalk or in the shock until
the middle of November or later
much of it may be successfully
stored in cribs without artificial
drying. For commercial shelling
and sale artificial drying is necessary and is being practiced in
flax selling at $1.90 per
bushel would be equivalent to
those from wheat selling at $1.30
per bushel. With the same yields
flax at $1.60 per bushel would be
as profitable as wheat at $1.10.
On the other hand, if flax sold
at $2.20 per bushel, wheat would
have to sell for slightly over $1.50
per bushel to be profitable.
Flax is no harder on the soil
than a grain crop. With the Duluth cash price guaranteed to
two counties. With established Oregon growers in Portland the
driers the cost of drying is not crop has great promise. Yields of
excessively high and this may 12 to 14 bushels per acre were sehelp to carry the overhead of cured under good flax conditions
in 1927. It is especially recomboth hop and prune driers.
For grain purposes yellow corn mended on some of the heavier
is recommended.
Minnesota 13 low land type of soil where drainis an early maturing variety rec- age is good. Like fiber flax, seed
ommended for grain. For silage flax does best with early plantpurposes Bloody Butcher, McKay, ing on a firm seed bed.
Yellow Dent and in some cases
Hay
Minnesota 13 are recommended.
Flax
It is recommended that there
be still greater standardization on
legume hay. The acreage in red
clover is increasing for hay purposes with some surplus being
marketed in the coast district by
truck.
There are now approximately
600 acres of alfalfa in the county,
Flax is grown in the county for
fiber and seed purposes. Where
the haul to the penitentiary i.
not too expensive and where good
yields of two tons an acre of 30inch or taller flax is secured, it is
a paying crop at present contract
prices. Where small yields, as and this acreage should be enone to one and one-half tons of larged to care for local needs
flax of less than 30 inches are and to provide summer green feed
secured it is doubtful if it pays. and pasture for various stock
There is little incentive to grow and poultry growers. Grimm alfiber flax except as it may be I aif a is the standard variety and
contracted to the state peniten- is suited to well drained bottom
Uary. Fiber flax to be successful land and to much of the wellmust be planted on a fine, firm drained upland when limed. Aland well-prepared seed bed, early ¶alf a should be inoculated previas in late March or early April. ous to planting. It is best plantThe outlook for fiber flax is ed on a firm, well-prepared seed
limited to the needs of the plant bed in April or May. Owing to
at Salem. There is a large mar- the early harvest of the first crop
ket for seed flax in the United each year it is recommended that
States and in Oregon. There is growers do not attempt too large
no possibility of increasing the an acreage until they are accusacreage to the point of flooding tomed to the crop.
Since hay making periods in
the market. There is active demand for at least 40 tImes our late May and early June are few
present production. On reason- we request that the weather burably good land it is a profitable eau broadcast long range forecasts the latter part of May and
cror.
With average yields of wheat through June advising coming
and flax the net returns per acre periods of hay making weather.
FARM CROPS
14
We urge the farm organizations to
request the Oregon congressional
delegation for this service.
Vetch is recommended for hay
purposes largely as a supplement
to clover and on soils where clover is not a very certain crop.
Both Hungarian and common
vetch are recommended for hay
and silage. In various parts of
the county common is preferred
on the better vetch land with
Hungarian for the lower, heavier
and more sour soils.
Seeds
Alfalfa is not recommended as
a seed crop as it does not produce paying yields.
Red clover for seed is an impor-
tant industry, and may be enlarged if we produce the right
kinds. It is recommended that
for local use for hay purposes
that the Oregon type of clover
seed be continued, but for the seed
that must be marketed in the east
we recommend that we standardize the Anthracnose Resistant variety and on the Hardy Hairy
Stemmed American red clover
types. A good market for the
cession.
It should not be plant-
ed where either wheat, barley or
other vetch seed growing is contemplated, as it volunteers badly
and may be a pest in those three
crops. It is not objectionable in
seed flax, oats or hay fields.
With the large carry-over of
and Hungarian vetch
seed it is doubtful if much of either should be saved for seed
purposes in 1928 unless there is
evidence of an unusual demand,
as in case of a serious clover failure from this spring's sowings.
common
Ladino clover seed offers promirrigated or subirrigated soils free
from Alsike or common white
clover volunteer.
Root Crops and Kale
ise as a profitable seed crop on
The growing of root crops and
kale as supplemental feed is recommended for those soils where
large yields may be secured. Both
mangels and kale give good yields
on well-manured, well-drained
land Important varieties of man-
gels are Giant Half Sugar, Sut-
ton's Prize Winner, Big Cropper,
Danish Sludstrup, Mammoth Long
Red and Giant Intermediate.
More attention should be given
temporary and permanent pastures. For irrigation and sub-irrigated pastures, Ladino clover is
possibly best. For dry upland
and sent back to the eastern summer pasture Grimm alfalfa is
Anthracnose Resistant type prevails in the southern half of the
Mississippi valley clover belt and
the other type is suited to the
north half. These clovers should
be grown on land free from volunteer that they may be certified
markets.
Alsike clover is in substantial
productive. Precaution
against bloat should be taken.
very
demand and the acreage should Sweet clover makes a good yield
of summer pasture on sweet soils
be enlarged.
Vetch seed - The planting of but is susceptible to stem rot.
Hairy vetch may be enlarged to Dwarf Essex rape used as a comabout three times its present acre- panion crop of clover makes an
age. The market is in the south- excellent summer sheep pasture.
eastern states. The crop should English or common rye grass
be produced where it may be planted alone or with clover
harvested, cleaned and shipped in makes good temporary fall and
early August that it may reach spring pasture. Mixed pastures
the southeastern market in time for some of the permanent older
for fall sowing. Hairy vetch for pastures are recommended. A
seed in Oregon is suited to rath- good upland or stump land mixer heavy low lands without sur- ture is rye grass 6 lbs., tall oat
face water and to some of the grass 3 lbs., orchard grass 3 lbs.,
thin uplands where it may be Kentucky blue grass 3 lbs., red
grown for several years in suc- top grass 1 lb., Timothy 2 lbs.,
HORTICULTURE
15
red clover 3 lbs. and Ladino 1 lb. ence to red clover.
Prepared Burn mixtures, beThis mixture sowed at 12-15 lbs.
per acre is a good permanent mix- cause they are commonly made
ture. For cattle pasture Burr up from waste material, are not
clover is recommended in prefer- recommended.
CommitteeGeo. A. McCulloch, Chairman
George R. Hyslop, Secretary
P. 0. Powell,
Laird Lindeman,
J. B. Lorence
Forrest Pence
C. D. Nairn
C. C. Gardner
Ernest Zielesch
S. H. Robison
Wm. Riddell, Jr.
Report of Horticultural
Committee
A program for the balancing
and development of the horticul-
tural production of Polk county
must be based upon not only
what we can grow to advantage,
but also what we can market to
advantage. Only those varieties
of tree and small fruits, nuts
and vegetables which are particularly adapted to our soils and
climatic conditions are to be included. Our fruit, nut and vegetable plantings must be planted
in the location and upon the
soils within the county suited for
their production. They must be
planted in large enough units for
Existing
ecomonic production.
plantings unfortunately located,
such as prune orchards upon shallow or poorly drained soils, can be
are others, such as red raspberries,
cap raspberries, filberts,
and some of the canning vegetables, which will stand reasonable expansion. We must produce those things our markets demand in the proportions demandblack
ed.
Prunes
The dried prune production of
the United States for 1927 was
something more than 400 million
pounds, California producing 380
million, and Oregon and Washington approximately 40 million
pounds. The total production of
these three coast states will easily reach the 500 million pound
mark inside of five years, while
that of the Northwest alone can
pulled at once to the financial be expected to reach the 100 muadvantage of the grower, as well
as the good of the industry. Indications are that certain crops,
such as prunes, apples, evergreen
blackberries, a r e a 1 r e a d y over-
planted in the county, while there
lion mark.
The
Pacific
coast
states have a monopoly upon the
dried prune production of the
United States. Oregon and Washington combined have a monopoly
upon
the tart-sweet dried
prune production of the United
16
HORTICULTURE
States. The total prune production is sufficient to feed the
American population at the present consumption rate of one and
one-half pounds per person, with
220 million pounds remaining for
export trade. When the 500 million pound production is reached
in the next five years, unless we
increase the average consumption
of the American consumer, we
shall have over 325 million pounds
for export.
made they should be on deep,
well-drained
soils
suitable
f or
prune production.
Cultural methods should be improved to increase the average
size of our prunes. Good cultural
practices and proper selection will
reduce the amount of smail
prunes, but wiil not eliminate
them. Under the most favorable
conditions we will have several
million pounds of small prunes.
These small prunes contain much
The prune industry in Polk food value and have cost as much
county has developed from 67 to produce as the larger sizes, but
acres in 1889 to the present acre- sold on the market bring, in
age of 11,000 acres. The ten to many cases, less than packing
twelve cents received for the and selling costs, to say nothing
prunes in 1889 was responsible of cost of production. Also, the
for the first heavy planting, the very fact that these small prunes
acreage reaching 1,145 in 1899. sell for a low price has a
The dropping of prices to two tendency to reduce the amount
and three cents a pound pre- received for the larger sizes, a
vented any rapid increase during well as reducing the amount of
the more profitable sizes sold.
the next ten years, the 1909 acre
age standing at 1,214. The six
It is suggested that these smili
cents received in that year, and
could be used as a bythe other good prices during the prunes
following years, reaching as high as product in such a way as to conthe food value and at the
20 cents in 1919, was responsible for serve
time remove them from
the additional new plantings. The same
with the larger sizes.
total plantings reached 5,181 in competition
1919, and 11,000 at the present To that end we recommend that
time, 1928.
Conclusions and Recommendations
The probable value of a representative acre of bearing prunes,
with the necessary buildings and
equipment, is $625.00. The average production of dried prunes
is not greater than 1,500 pounds
per acre. The cost of production
is at least seven cents per pound.
The average price to the grower
will be close to this same seven
cents. For this reason, orchards
averaging less than this 1,500
pound yield, which cannot be economically made to produce this
amount, are better off removed.
the prune growers adopt some
method to finance research work
for finding some use for small
prunes as a by-product, and that
the chairman appoint a committee to work with a like committee
of other prune growing districts
to carry out the intent of this
recommendation.
Dried prunes'
water content
should be standardized.
Number of grades should be re-
duced.
Oregon prunes are now graded
as to size, into 11 distinct com-
mercial grades. Two distinct types
of prunes are grown, doubling this
Then at times old and
new crop of prunes of each size
and type are sold at the same
time, and in addition each type
least caught up with production, and size is packed under a uumand prices have reached a higher ber of distinctive brand names,
level. When new plantings are This untold multiplicity of sizes,
No new acreage should be planted, excepting to fill out economic
units, until consumption has at
number.
HORTICULTURE
17
grades, brands and qualities is, to somewhere down the line of the
say the least, confusing to the middlemen and is not to the inconsumer and the trade not justi- terests of either grower or confied by sound business methods sumer.
It is the opinion of your comand not conducive to the largest
possible
consumption of our mittee that the number of comprunes. In the opinion of your mercial sizes of prunes be recommittee this large number of duced from 11 to not exceed 4,
sizes is unnecessary. Perhaps no or, by way of illustration, to be
other commodity of as near uni- named as follows: Small, Medium,
form edible quality is marketed Lrrge, Extra Large.
The recommendations of the (1)
under so many distinct, though
sometimes infinitesimally differ- Production, (2) Grades and Sizes,
Advertising and Sales, and
ent sizes.
Storage, Warehousing and
It is apparent that to mer- Finance
committees of the Northchandize the successively smaller west Dried
Prune Convention are
sizes, a substantial difference in approved and
highly recommendprice is necessary between each ed.
different grade. By making ten
Cherries
successive substantial reductions,
it is evident that an abnormally
The cherry acreage in Polk
low price must be in effect on county is about 1,000. The aver-medium and smaller sized prunes age production probably is 1500
to move them. To most consumpounds. The approximate value
ers such an enormous reduction of an acre of a bearing cherry
in price immediately suggests an orchard is around $650.00. The
even greater difference in quality, cost of production is not less than
cleanliness or edibility of the 9.3 cents.
No increased planting of chersmaller prune. This psychology
of the consumer's mind still fur- ries is recommended at present.
Efforts to increase the yields of
ther depresses the price of the
smaller sizes to a ruinous price to existing plantings by better culthe grower. Then, the si'i'liPr tural methods, adequate pollinasizes are being by these processes tion and more thorough insect
reduced to such a ridiculously low and disease control is urged.
No cherries should be permitplane, the consumer as well as
the trade naturally wonders why ted to be shipped out of the
fresh state unless
the larger sizes are so high while state in their the
cherry maggot
for
other prunes apparently just as sprayed
and state inspected before shiplarge or at best only infinitesimal- ping.
ly smaller, are so much cheaper.
Pears
This feeling naturally depresses
the urice of the large prune also.
Polk county grows very few
In this way useless multicplicity pears. Her 250 acres produced
of sizes creates a trade and con- 20,000 bushel in 1923. This aversumer resistance to prices of both age yield of only 80 bushels is
large and small prunes. In the much below a profitable one. It
same retail store may be seen a should at least be increased fifty
difference of 10 or 12 cents per per cent.
pound or even more in the price
Winter varieties, such as Anjou,
of prunes grown on the same tree Bose and Winter Nelis can be
in this county. It is quite appar- satisfactorily grown and may be
ent that the grower is not getting advantageously planted, if plant12 cents per pound more for the ed, in large enough blocks to inlarge prune that the small ones, sure car lot quantities for shipand it is quite evident that most ping. Bartlett acreage in Polk
of the increase in price is taken county should not be increased
HORTICULTURE
18
because of heavy plantings in
competing districts.
Apples
Polk county's 1,100 acres of apples produce about 90,000 bushels
annually, an average production
of only 90 bushels per acre. The
cost of producing and equipping
an acre of apples is at least $650.
The cost of producing a box of
apples is something over $1.00.
For these reason orchards which
cannot be economically made to
produce an average production of
250 boxes per acre should be removed.
No new plantings should be
made except to fill out an economic unit.
Yellow Newtons, red Gravenstems, Grimes goldens, red Delicious, red Romes, red June and
yellow Transparent are suitable
varieties for this county.
Nuts
Moderate plantings of walnuts
and filberts may be advisable in
this county.
Plantings should be made upon
deep, well drained lands only.
Frost free locations are neces-
sary for walnuts.
Plantings should be made from
most satisfactory varieties: Franquette walnuts and Barcelona f iiberts.
Walnuts should be grafted to
root stalks of Northern California
black walnuts.
Eleven to sixteen per cent of
filbert plantings should be pollenizers.
Uniform grades should be established and enforced.
Marketing should be through a
central agency, devoted exclus-
ively to marketing nuts.
Small Fruits
Red raspberries, e v e r g r e e n
blackberries, black cap raspberries, loganberries, strawberries,
gooseberries and currants can be
economically grown in the county.
Red raspberries, loganberries,
black cap raspberries and Ettersburg 121 may be safely planted
as the demand exceeds the supply.
Gooseberries, currants, evergreen
blackberries and soft strawber-
ries should not be increased at
the present time. Larger yields
and plantings from stock free of
all virus diseases is important.
Committee
C. Ewing, Chairman
C. L. Long, Secretary
Max Gehlar
R. W. Hogg
B. I. Ferguson
Dr. J. M. Powell
A. Schroeder
L. W. Plummer
Frank Coad
T. J. Alsip
G. W. Curtiss
POULTRY
19
Report of the Poultry
Committee
The poultry industry of Polk
county is a valuable agricultural
asset. We rank high in the state
of Oregon in value of poultry products.
The poultry industry has just
experienced one of its most trying years, although well managed
poultry or farmers not having
surplus labor to invest it is recommended that only a sufficient
number of hens be kept to supply
the home table, preferably 24
hens or less.
At Least 15 Acres Needed for
1000 Hens
plants have been able to show a
Many established poultry farms,
The state of Oregon now pro- successful for a time, have been
duces more eggs than its popula- compelled to quit business betion consumes and is, therefore, cause all of the available ground
profit.
an exporter of eggs.
likewise
produces
Polk county
a surplus of
eggs which must be shipped out
of the county. The poultry industry of Polk county is considered not as a unit in itself, but
as a unit in the poultry industry
of Oregon.
There exists a strong outside
buying demand for the surnlus
high quality Oregon eggs. With
the present marketing facilities
and their improvement to meet
changing conditions, no difficulty
is foreseen in marketing a material increase in eggs of export-
able quality.
Conclusions and Recommendations
space became badly contaminated. Limited acreage is one of the
greatest undermining factors in
the poultry business. One or two
acre tracts purchased for commercial
poultry
keeping
where
young stock is to be reared each
year must b considered only a
temporary and dangerous undertaking. Real estate dealers should
be discouraged from exoloiting
such small tracts as desirable units for successful and permanent,
intensified poultry keeping.
It is recommended that commercial poultry keeping
should
not be attempted on less than
15 acres of tillable land for 1000
hens when young stock is to be
reared each year on the farm to
that farm flocks too small to be maintain this flock number.
considered an important unit of
Poultry keeping should not be
farm work usually suffer from advocated as a means of reclaimpoor management, a fact which ing logged off land except where
results in inferior products, com- the acreage is materially increasplicating the general marketing ed over that of the minimum tillproblem of the state. There are able land recommended.
two closely related phases of the Must Raise Disease-Free Pullets
poultry industry, namely: first,
Success or pouitry Keeping in
economical production of a quality product; second, efficient Polk county depends upon the
marketing of the product. The ability of the producers to raise
greater volume of the aggregate to maturity pullets that are vigproduct is as yet produced by the orous and free from internal pargeneral farm flock rather than asites and malformation. This
by well managed economical un- can be done more safely through
careful effort to brood chicks on
its.
For farmers not interested in clean soil each year.
Careful study discloses the fact
POULTRY
20
farms
On
where
permanent;
brooder houses must be used it is
recommended that concrete yard
the length of the brooder house
and 20 feet wide be used.
It is recommended that producers
endeavor
to secure
all
carry on more experimental work
along the lines of proper feeding
and brooding.
This committee goes on record
as being opposed to compulsory
B. W. D. testing at this time.
Green Feed Is Essential
Green, succulent feed is one of
the four major classes of poultry
feeds necessary to growth and
egg production. In Polk county
kale and roots should be the main
green feed. There are times in
chicks for brooding purposes at
one time, where only one brooder and one range is available. In
terms of financial results, labor
and economics it is better to purchase 500 day old chicks at one
time to secure 200 pullets than mid-winter when the supply of
to attempt to hatch this number kale on some farms is limited,
at two or three hatchings from frozen or unfit to feed.
smaller incubator capacity. A
The summer green feed probuniform lot of chicks implifies the lem
even more important, as it
brooding, feeding, growing, hous- is theisseason
of short supply. It
ing and production problems anct is perhaps the
important
contributes largely towards suc- feed item in the most
ration of growcess.
ing chicks. This committee esFollow Successful Types
Proper poultry houses are essential to successful poultry keeping. There is a tendency to construct laying houses along lines
of individual hobbies rather than
to pattern after those which
through experimentation, have
proven successful. It is recommended, therefore, that producers desiring to construct new laying houses be guided by the plans
set forth in Station Circular 51,
Oregon
Agricultural college.
One of the serious limiting factors of poultry production in
Polk county and the state of Oregon is the increase of poultry
diseases.
That of coccidiosis,
chicken pox, flu, croup and cold
are among the worst, and we recommend the poultry veterinarian
recommends alfalfa for
summer range.
This committee recommends
that the tariff on eggs be doubled.
Cold Storage Law Should Be
pecially
Repealed
Those engaged in the poultry
industry believe that the consumption of eggs is reduced by
the law which regulates the sale
Meats,
cold storage eggs.
fruits, potatoes, vegetables, butof
ter, cheese, etc., are not required
to be sold under a cold storage
sign. Placing of eggs in cold
storage is necessary to care for
the surplus eggs during the flush
season. The present storage law
is not rigidly enforced. There is
a nation-wide effort to eliminate
the cold storage regulation and
sell on size of egg and quality of
of the state college to use every egg. The poultrymen, therefore,
means at his command to com- recommend that the Oregon legbat these diseases.
islature repeal the present cold
We recommend that the poultry storage egg law and pass instead
department at the state college a law regulating the sale of eggs
be allowed sufficient funds to according to size and quality.
Committee
George Cooper, Chairman
W. H. Small
F. E. Hennagin
Henry Dickenson
Wm. Garner
Morris Christensen
Forrest Martin
J. D. Smith
T. M. Lamond
Albert Schroeder
Report of Livestock
Committee
Sheep
It is recognized that sheep have
been increasing iu numbers both
in Oregon and in the United
States. It is further recognized
that present favorable prices may
not continue indefinitely. It is
believed, however, that sheep
raising is one of Polk county's
most permanent industries and
that it has been, and will be,
prosperous when taken over any
long series of years including both
good and bad. Continuation of
the sheep business on this basis
is recommended. Speculation in
sheep is not to be advised.
The cost and income from grade
ewes in Polk county was estimated as follows:
EXPENSES
Labor
Pasture
Salt
Shearing
Hay
Oats
Interest
Losses
Taxes
Depreciation
TOTAL
Lamb
$8.05
INCOME
Wool, 8 lbs. at 35c
TOTAL
$1.00
3.00
.05
.15
.75
.45
.90
.60
.15
1.00
$8.00
2.80
$10.80
The above does not include ram
costs, housing or incidentals. Beginners in the sheep and goat
business together with experienced operators who are increasing
their flocks will find it necessary
to give special attention to the
prevention of parasites.
Stomach worms are a constant
menace to the sheep industry.
Medical treatment is of doubtful
value. Sanitation and rotation of
pastures are workable means of
prevention. Rotation is especially important on highly productive land that carries a large
number of sheep per acre. Sheep
pastures on such land should be
regularly rotated with grain, hay
or other crop that is not pastured.
Liver flukes may be combatted
by draining swamp areas. Infested animals may be treated
with reasonable success with carbon-tetrachloride.
Angora &oats
We do not feel that there is any
Immediate danger of over-pro-
duction of mohair in view of the
fact that its use for manufacturing purposes is expanding.
We strongly recommend goats
as a means of economical land
clearing but urge that the greatest success so far as profits are
concerned is had when the goats
are turned on stump land and
allowed to remain until sprouts
are eaten down close. After that
they should be taken off and
turned onto good pasture. As
sprouts grow turn in on them
again until eaten down.
There are 315,000 acres of lands
suitable for goat production in
Polk county, capable of carrying
The average
3 goats per acre.
mohair clip is slightly over 4 lbs.
per head and this can be materially increased by the use of good
sires.
A return of $5.00 per head per
year can be expected under intelligent care. We recommend
some goats on every farm having
some brush land as a means of
utilizing waste areas suitable for
that purpose. The use of goats
will improve pasture conditions
for all classes of farm livestock.
LIVESTOCK
22
Swine
Under present Polk county conditions it is considered safe to
Milk Goats
The United States imports 80,-
000,000 pounds of Roquefort cheese
keep hog production within the annually. There are not milk
numbers necessary to utilize the goats enough to supply the deavailable farm wastes. There is mand from hospitals. Therefore,
some profit in the business where we believe it will be years before
the hogs are kept largely to con- there will be an over-production
sume surplus skim milk, cull fruit of milk goat products.
The same 315,000 acres in Polk
and vegetables and table wastes.
that is suited to Angora
The present ratio between grain county
is suited to milk goats. The
prices and pork prices is very goats
return per milk goat is
unfavorable, but it is believed that average
net. There are 400 milk
this condition is but temporary. $25.00
in the county. One doe
Market statistics show that as an goats
two acres of land and in
average of the past 18 years 100 requires
300 lbs. of hay each year.
pounds of pork live weight has addition
recommend some milk goats
brought approximately the same onWe
every farm having some brush
figure as that received by the land
a means of utilizing waste
farmer for 616 pounds of barley. areasassuitable
for that purpose
figures
Cost
presented by Mr. and as a means of
replacing some
Pence of this committee show a crops
are now produced in
feed cost of $20.94 for fall pigs surnluswhich
quantities.
at 200 lbs. and $16.95 for spring
Experienced raisers of milk
pigs at the same weight.
goats here in Polk county state
Intestinal worms are a frequent that the handling of this animal
source of loss ii Polk county is easily learned and anyone inhogs. These parasites may be terested in this phase of livestock
largely prevented by keeping pigs can do so on the type of land
off of old infested pastures until referred to with a degree of asthey are at least three months surance. The milk goat will funcold. The pigs must be farrowed tion in the same manner as the
in perfectly clean, sanitary quar- Angora as regards land clearing
ters and if not already on pas- and pasture improvement. We
ture soon moved to pastures that recommend that goat milk be dishave not had hogs on them for posed of in the form of Roqueat least a year.
fort cheese.
Committee
Ronald Hogg, Chairman
E. L. Potter, Secretary
W. F. Lee
D. R. Riddell
Robert Pence
Joe Staats
Frank Farmer
Harrison Brandt
W. D. Gilliam
Jess Walling